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System and method for highly directional electronic identification and communication and combat identification system employing the sameSystem and method for highly directional electronic identification and communication and combat identification system employing the same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070085725, System and method for highly directional electronic identification and communication and combat identification system employing the same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is related to and claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/514,587, filed by Hayles, et al., on Oct. 27, 2003, entitled "Shielded Dielectric Lens Antenna," commonly assigned with the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed, in general, to wireless identification and communication systems and, more specifically, to a system and method for highly directional electronic identification and communication and a combat identification system employing the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Wireless identification and communication systems are a vital technology in today's world. Most such systems are omnidirectional; their antennas broadcast signals fairly uniformly in all directions. Omnidirectional communication systems are desirable in many applications, because their antennas need not be steered to maintain communication. They can serve broader territories, too. [0004] However, some applications benefit from directional communication systems. Compared to omnidirectional communication systems, directional communication systems use antennas that transmit signals predominantly to, or receive signals predominantly from, a relatively narrow span of directions. Directional communication systems have some distinct advantages. First, since they focus the power they transmit onto a relatively narrow span of directions, they require less power than omnidirectional systems or alternatively are able to transmit farther than omnidirectional systems using the same power. Second, signal interception by an unauthorized third party is less likely, since the third party must be aligned with the transmitting antenna in order to receive the signal. [0005] Secure and reliable wireless communication is particularly important in the context of combat. Such communication may merely involve identification. Split-second firing decisions are based on target identification. Knowing that a potential target is a friendly unit and not an enemy is critically important in order to avoid fratricide (so-called "friendly fire incidents"). [0006] Full communication between elements of a force is also important. However, conventional battlefield communication systems are bulky and thus difficult to transport. Mobility is a key attribute of a modern fighting force. Therefore, a more transportable communication system would be highly advantageous. [0007] Accordingly, what is needed in the art is system capable of highly directional electronic identification or communication. What is further needed in the art is a method of effecting highly directional electronic identification or communication. What is still further needed in the art is a compact, lightweight, energy-efficient system capable of being independent of any host weapon system and compatible with all types of weapons, including field artillery, armored vehicles, attack aircraft, bombers, helicopters and combatant ships. What is also needed is a system that can afford protection to all of the above weapon platforms as well as dismounted troops and wheeled vehicles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides, in one aspect, an antenna for directional electronic communication. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (2) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (3) a feed horn located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening. [0009] For purposes of the present invention, "communication" is defined as passing information from one communication terminal to another. "Identification" is defined as ascertaining the direction, range or identity of a terminal. Communication may or may not involve identification. Identification does involve communication, although perhaps to a limited extent. [0010] In another aspect, the present invention provides a directional communication system. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a base station having an antenna including: (1a) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (1b) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (1c) a feed horn located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening and (2) a plurality of transceivers configured to receive signals from the antenna based on a direction relative thereto. [0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of conducting directional communication. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) transmitting outbound signals with a base station having an antenna including: (1a) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (1b) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (1c) a feed horn located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening and (2) receiving inbound signals from at least one of a plurality of transceivers. [0012] In still another aspect, the present invention provides a combat identification system. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a base station configured to transmit a combat identification interrogation signal via an antenna including: (1a) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (1b) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (1c) a feed horn located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening and (2) a plurality of transceivers configured to receive the combat identification interrogation signal from the antenna and respond with a secure identification signal based on a direction relative to the antenna. [0013] In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of identifying friendly forces. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) transmitting a combat identification interrogation signal from a base station via an antenna including: (1a) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (1b) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (1c) a feed horn located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening and (2) receiving a secure identification signal from at least one of a plurality of transceivers configured to receive the combat identification interrogation signal from the antenna and respond with the secure identification signal based on a direction relative to the antenna. [0014] The foregoing has outlined preferred and alternative features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a directional communication system constructed according to the principles of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic sectional view of one embodiment of a directional antenna constructed according to the principles of the present invention and that can be employed in the system of FIG. 1; [0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of conducting directional communication carried out according to the principles of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a combat identification system constructed according to the principles of the present invention; and Continue reading about System and method for highly directional electronic identification and communication and combat identification system employing the same... 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